Haaland vs Mbappe, Fantasy Fixtures and YMCA: Key Moments from the FIFA Draw Ceremony

Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to find out their team's initial fixtures. But, even though fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.